Forbes: African-American Women Face Harsher Health Disparities

Front and center in the ongoing debate around women’s rights are the issues of health care and freedom of choice. During a tense election cycle, both President Barack Obama and GOP nominee Mitt Romney have tossed their irons into the blaze, with each side declaring their opposing stances.

With heavy criticism levied at the Right, this political firestorm has been called a “War On Women” of sorts and groups such as Planned Parenthood have fought the opposition with fervor. While the strides made are noteworthy, African-American women face health discrimination at a higher rate than other races. An in-depth report from Forbesmagazine reveals more.

Highlighted in the report are facts and figures that prove to be worrisome news for the health of African-American women. HIV and AIDS-related illnesses are now the leading cause of death for Black women aged 25-34, while African-American mothers are four times more likely to die from pregnancy complications than their White counterparts. The report essentially challenges figures such as Donna Brazile and Melissa Harris-Perry to become the leading voice for Black women in combating this towering health disparity.